Market Review

Global small cap equities rose in the fourth quarter, with signs that market leadership was beginning to broaden. Notably, the months-long AI-driven rally appeared to enter a new phase, with investors becoming increasingly cautious about the sustainability

President Donald Trump said that America benefits when oil prices increase because the nation is the world’s biggest oil producer, but added that he considers blocking Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons to be more important.

“The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” the president said in a Thursday Truth Social post. 

“BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stoping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I won’t ever let that happen! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he added.

TRUMP TOUTS ‘HISTORIC’ $300B TEXAS REFINERY AS FIRST NEW US PLANT IN NEARLY 50 YEARS

President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral in Miami, Florida, on March 9, 2026.  (SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Gas prices have been surging amid the war, with AAA’s national average price for regular gas currently at $3.598.

The U.S. plans to release millions of barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve next week. 

“Earlier today, 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency unanimously agreed to President Trump’s request to lower energy prices with a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of oil and refined products from their respective reserves,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a Wednesday statement.

A diesel fuel pump at a Chevron gas station in Seattle, Washington, on Monday, March 9, 2026. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“As part of this effort, President Trump authorized the Department of Energy to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week. This will take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates,” Wright noted.

“Unlike the previous administration, which left America’s oil reserves drained and damaged, the United States has arranged to more than replace these strategic reserves with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year — 20% more barrels than will be drawn down — and at no cost to the taxpayer,” he said in the statement.

IRAN THREATENS $200 OIL BARRELS AS US PREPARES MASSIVE RELEASE OF EMERGENCY PETROLEUM RESERVES

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright attends a working lunch at the “Shield of the Americas” Summit at Trump National Doral in Miami, Fla., on March 7, 2026.  (Rebecca Blackwell / POOL / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Thursday that the administration “is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports.”

The Iranian regime has threatened increased oil prices as the regime targets commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. 

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“Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised,” Iranian military command spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned in comments directed toward Washington, Reuters reported.

Fox News’ Patrick Ward contributed to this report.

FOX Business is celebrating small businesses that have been the backbone of American excellence with a campaign in honor of America’s 250th anniversary that will award three winners $25,000 each, the network announced Thursday. 

FOX Business’ “Made in America” contest participants can apply online with a video or written entry at SmallBusinessAwards2026.com. Submissions and nominations will be taken on the website until March 30. 

The three winners will also be featured in a Fox Nation special. 

Fans will participate in their first round of voting for their favorite small businesses beginning on April 13, after the initial submissions are narrowed down to 10 finalists.

MILLIONS OF JOBS VULNERABLE AS ‘SILVER TSUNAMI’ LOOMS OVER US SMALL BUSINESSES, EXPERTS WARN

FOX Business is launching its “Made in America” campaign to give back to small businesses on Thursday, March 12, 2026. (FOX Business)

A panel of judges, which will include FOX Business hosts and executives, will determine the three winners of the “Made in America” contest.

The winners of the campaign will be announced on air and receive an award for their businesses, as well as an oversized check.

The contest victors will be announced during Small Business Week starting on Monday, May 4.

RARE AND ORIGINAL AMERICAN FOUNDING DOCUMENTS TO FLY ON FREEDOM PLANE ACROSS NATION

The U.S. flag waves in front of the White House on April 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (J. David Ake/Getty Images)

A plethora of FOX Business hosts and anchors appeared in a promo announcing the campaign. 

“For 250 years, small businesses have been the backbone of America,” “Mornings with Maria” and “Sunday Morning Futures” host Maria Bartiromo said. 

“Built by people who took a chance on themselves and their communities,” “Kudlow” namesake Larry Kudlow added. 

“These are the places where the American story is written,” “Making Money” host Charles Payne said. 

“The Bottom Line” and “The Big Money Show” co-host Brian Brenberg said, “FOX Business is shining a light on the independent hops that keep our country moving,” and his co-host and founding FOX Business anchor Dagen McDowell provided details on the campaign. 

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FOX Business is celebrating small businesses that have been the backbone of American excellence by awarding three with $25,000 each and a feature in a FOX Nation special. (FOX News Media)

The FOX Business “Made in America” campaign is sponsored by Comcast Business and JP Morgan Chase.

America is celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

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President Donald Trump previewed his “Freedom 250” campaign in December, announcing a series of celebrations to mark the milestone anniversary of the country’s independence. 

The escalating conflict in Iran may no longer be contained to the Middle East, as it threatens to deliver a direct hit to the American pocketbook.

As oil prices surge and global flight paths are redrawn, international carriers are already raising fares. While U.S. airlines have not yet raised prices, a new analysis warns a double-digit fare increase could be imminent for domestic flyers.

With jet fuel one of the largest expenses for airlines, domestic flight prices would need to increase by at least 11% to offset current fuel costs, according to Skift Research. Higher fuel costs could translate into higher fares for U.S. travelers.

Global benchmark Brent crude topped $100 per barrel late Thursday morning, marking a more than 60% increase since the start of the year. The market continues to react to halted oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz and multiple strikes on Middle Eastern oil facilities and tankers as U.S. military forces continue Operation Epic Fury.

AMERICAN AIRLINES BECOMES FIRST U.S. CARRIER TO RESTORE VENEZUELA FLIGHTS SINCE 2019 SHUTDOWN

Qantas and Scandinavian Airlines announced earlier this week that they would raise fares in direct response to rising fuel prices, Reuters reported.

Travelers at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, on Monday, March 9, 2026.  (Getty Images)

Air New Zealand said it plans to cancel 1,100 flights, impacting more than 44,000 passengers, between now and early May.

“It’s an unprecedented issue as far as fuel price is concerned, but managing fuel spikes is a well-trodden path if you’re running an airline,” CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said on Radio New Zealand.

Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Thai Airways plans to raise ticket prices by 10% to 15% due to demand and rising fuel costs, with CFO Cherdchom Therdthirasak saying during an investor meeting this week that “passengers planning to travel should secure their tickets as soon as possible before fares rise further.”

The CEO of Hong Kong’s primary carrier, Cathay Pacific, said at a press conference that with fuel prices as high as they are, price surges are being considered.

“In March, like ever since the Middle East episode began, the costs of our fuel already doubled,” CEO Ronald Lam said, the AFP reported. “So we are going to announce [a surcharge] very soon.”

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby spoke at a Harvard University event Thursday and said high oil prices will have a “meaningful” effect and could extend into the second quarter if the war continues, adding that the impact on fares will “probably start quick,” according to Forbes.

Most U.S. carriers, including United, Delta, Southwest and American, stopped hedging fuel decades ago, Forbes said, and there is no protection contract with the U.S. government that fixes fuel prices for commercial companies.

Delta, however, is partially insulated due to its ownership of the Trainer refinery in Pennsylvania, allowing them to avoid refining margins, though they still pay market rates for raw crude oil.

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Popular travel guide The Points Guy recommends not waiting to book flights amid the conflict — or risk paying more.

“If you’re planning to fly this summer, go ahead and lock in your airfare now. As experts noted, prices could surge any day now,” The Points Guy wrote. “That’s especially true if you’re hoping to fly in June or July, which in recent years have been the busiest and most expensive months of the summer to travel.”

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President Donald Trump has reportedly been gifting Florsheim dress shoes to top administration officials, turning the 134-year-old brand into an unexpected status symbol inside the White House.

Trump has surprised some Cabinet members, White House advisors and members of Congress with the shoes – sometimes even guessing their sizes and instructing staff to place the orders. The president personally pays for the footwear, The Wall Street Journal reported.

At Cabinet meetings, Trump has reportedly even asked recipients, “Did you get the shoes?”

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are among those who have received pairs, according to the Journal.

‘HAPPY TRUMP’ PINS AVAILABLE, AMONG OTHER COLLECTIBLES, AFTER PRESIDENT DONS NEW ACCESSORY

President Donald Trump alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff at the World Economic Forum (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“All the boys have them,” one White House official said.

Trump recently began looking for footwear for long workdays and chose Florsheim, whose shoes typically sell for about $145.

Some officials now wear the shoes when they are around the president, and in some cases reluctantly, the Journal reported.

TRUMP STORE SPARKS BUZZ AND DEBATE WITH NEW TRUMP 2028 MERCHANDISE

Founded in Chicago in 1892, Florsheim supplied U.S. troops during both World Wars and was once worn by President Harry Truman. (Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

During a December Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly noticed Vance and Rubio’s footwear, suggested they needed an upgrade and asked for their sizes, the Journal reported.

“You know, you can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size,” Vance later recalled Trump saying.

A photo of Rubio’s shoes has since gone viral, with some online critics speculating that his pair appeared too large.

Founded in Chicago in 1892, Florsheim supplied U.S. troops during both World Wars and was once worn by President Harry Truman. The company is now part of Wisconsin-based Weyco Group.

TRUMP SAYS HIS TARIFFS AIM TO PROMOTE US PRODUCTION OF TANKS, NOT T-SHIRTS: ‘WE WANT TO MAKE BIG THINGS’

President Donald Trump gestures as he prepares to board Air Force One to depart for South Korea at Haneda Airport on Oct. 29, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Thomas Florsheim Jr., CEO of Weyco Group and a fifth-generation family member, told the Journal he was unaware of the president’s purchases.

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The White House and Florsheim did not respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Shipping often feels simple when you first launch an online shop. You print labels, pack orders, and hand parcels over to a private courier.

At first, the process seems manageable, and you may even feel proud of handling everything yourself. Yet as orders grow, the hidden costs of do‑it‑yourself shipping begin to appear.

Time starts to disappear, mistakes become more frequent, and customer expectations continue to rise. What once felt like a practical solution gradually turns into a bottleneck for your business. Instead of supporting growth, DIY shipping begins to hold you back, making it harder to scale without chaos.

Time Becomes Your Most Expensive Resource

Packing and shipping orders takes longer than most shop owners expect. You must compare carrier prices, prepare parcel documentation, update tracking details, and answer delivery questions. Each task looks small on its own, yet together they consume hours every week.

As your order volume grows, this routine becomes overwhelming. Instead of focusing on marketing, product development, or customer experience, you spend your day managing parcels.

Established shipping platforms for ecommerce change this dynamic. They handle order processing, simplify tracking updates, and compare carriers instantly. You regain control of your time. More importantly, you can focus on the activities that actually grow your business.

Manual Processes Increase the Risk of Errors

Human error becomes unavoidable when you handle shipping manually. A mistyped address, the wrong shipping label, or a missed tracking update can quickly lead to delivery issues. Customers expect accuracy and speed. Even small mistakes can damage their trust.

These problems also cost money. Resending orders, issuing refunds, and managing complaints add unexpected expenses. Each error forces you to spend more time resolving issues that could have been prevented in the first place.

Shipping platforms reduce this risk by standardising your workflow. Address validation tools catch errors early, and built-in label generation removes repetitive tasks. As a result, you ship orders with greater confidence and fewer costly mistakes.

Carrier Costs Are Higher Than You Think

Many small businesses assume they’re paying standard shipping rates. However, carriers usually offer better discounts to companies that ship in higher volumes. Without access to those negotiated rates, DIY shippers often pay more than necessary.

The difference may look small on a single parcel. Yet over hundreds or thousands of shipments, the costs add up quickly. You might be losing significant profit without realising it.

Ecommerce shipping platforms often provide access to discounted carrier rates. Since they manage large shipping volumes across many merchants, they can negotiate better pricing. For businesses handling international shipping, these savings are even more critical, since cross‑border costs rise quickly without platform support. When you tap into those discounts, your margins improve without raising product prices.

Customer Expectations Continue to Rise

Online shoppers now expect fast and transparent delivery. They want accurate tracking updates and clear delivery promises. If they cannot see where their order is, they become anxious. Soon they contact your support team for answers.

Handling these enquiries manually drains your energy. You search for tracking numbers, send updates, and reassure customers. Meanwhile, new orders continue to arrive.

A shipping platform solves this problem by streamlining communication. Customers receive real-time tracking updates and delivery notifications. They stay informed without contacting you. That reduces support requests and improves their overall experience.

Scaling Becomes Difficult Without Automation

DIY shipping may work when you process ten orders a day. It becomes stressful at fifty. At one hundred, the system often breaks down. The same manual workflow simply cannot keep up with growing demand.

This pressure leads to rushed packing, delayed shipments, and overwhelmed staff. Instead of celebrating growth, you struggle to maintain order fulfilment. That frustration signals a need for change.

Automation allows your shipping process to scale smoothly. Orders sync directly from your ecommerce store. Fulfilment tasks are managed in bulk, tracking information updates automatically, and staff spend less time on repetitive tasks.

Data and Insights Remain Hidden

Shipping generates valuable data. You can learn which carriers perform best, which routes cause delays, and which shipping options customers prefer. These insights help you improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

However, DIY shipping rarely provides clear visibility into this information. Records are scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and carrier websites. Analysing performance becomes difficult.

Shipping platforms bring everything into one dashboard. You can monitor delivery performance, spot recurring issues, and identify trends quickly. With this visibility, you make smarter operational decisions that strengthen your fulfilment process.

Final Thoughts

DIY shipping often begins as a practical choice. It keeps costs low and gives you direct control over order fulfilment, but as your business grows, the hidden expenses become clear. Time loss, costly errors, limited carrier discounts, and rising customer expectations slowly erode your efficiency.

Recognising these signals helps you make a smarter transition. When shipping starts consuming too much time and energy, an ecommerce shipping platform becomes more than a convenience. It becomes the system that supports your next stage of growth.